Politics & Government
Pilot's Air Show Over Waukee Draws Scrutiny from National Guard
A Florida pilot reportedly put on a one-man show over the skies of Waukee Tuesday, rattling windows in the process. The pilot was sent home and authorities are investigating the incident.
An F-15 fighter pilot with the Florida National Guard who put on an impromptu air show over Waukee Tuesday morning has been sent home as authorities look into his stunt.
Bree Spradling of Waukee told KCCI.com the stunt flying lasted less than 30 seconds and happened around 10 a.m. She said the jet came close to homes in a heavily populated Waukee neighborhood.
"It was very close. Way closer than it ever should have been for any reason," Spradling said.
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"It was coming down really fast -- and then it seemed to me like at the last possible second it banked hard left and then went vertical at full throttle -- and I was like, "Holy cow!" I turned around and I look and the engine boosters are just glowing bright, bright orange," Spradling told the TV station. "The windows were rattling. It was definitely a wake-up call."
Aircraft must be 1,000 feet or higher over populated areas.
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"For a minute I thought it was going to crash. But then he banked hard to the left and you could just feel the power of the engines and he went up vertical -- like I said my windows were shaking in my office -- you could feel it in your chest," Spradling said.
Radar showed the pilot did a couple of tight turns and took off. It rattled windows for miles.
"I was like, 'Oh holy cow. What's going on? Did you guys see that?'" Spradling said.
Florida Air National Guard Lt. Col James Evans said the pilot acknowledges flying his jet over the western suburbs and an investigation is under way to determine how low he was flying. Radar records will be able to determine his altitude and speed.
The Guard is now investigating and the pilot was sent back to Jacksonville, Fla., on a commercial flight.
The Florida National Guard said there were no mechanical problems with the jet. The pilot was headed from Jacksonville to Sioux City so his jet could get painted.
"If somebody was playing tricks or games or wanted a thrill ride this is not the place to do it at all," Spradling said to KCCI.
What would be an appropriate punishment for this pilot?
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